FACULTY RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT FACULTY: RALPH WEISHEIT. RECREATIONAL DRUG USE.

According to a 2004 study by the National Study on Drug Use and
Health, approximately 11.7 million Americans ages 12 and up have
reported trying methamphetamine. Shocking numbers for most, but for
not Dr. Ralph Weisheit, professor of criminal justice sciences.

For over 25 years Weisheit has been studying drugs and crime within
the community, and in recent years with a special emphasis on
methamphetamine production and effects in rural areas.

"The objective in studying meth is to understand the use and separate
the truth from the stereotypes," Weisheit said. "[I focused on rural
areas because] in the Midwest and South, production occurs in rural
areas and use is more common in rural areas."

Weisheit explained that the problem is more common in rural areas
because the ingredients to make the drug are more readily available
from farm stores in those areas.

Items such as anhydrous ammonia, the white tanks often seen in fields,
are often used in production.

Production of meth can also be a noxious process, but in rural areas
where the smell can dissipate it may go unnoticed.

During his research, Weisheit has spent time in Edgar and Clark
counties interviewing users and law enforcement to get their
impressions and to "get a complete view" of the problem.

The dividends of his work are already paying off.

"These findings have been very helpful to Edgar and Clark counties to
document the extent of drug use and to receive federal funding to help
combat meth use," Weisheit said.

David Falcone, interim chair for criminal justice sciences, explained
that a few years ago a course was designed on drugs in crime
specifically for Weisheit.

In this course he is able to take his research and use it directly in
his lectures to benefit his students and the law enforcement community.

"In my class I am able to directly apply what I have been working on
and use stats that I have found for discussion," Weisheit said.

Falcone described Weisheit's research as the "perfect synergy" to go
along with his teaching.

"[Weisheit] is the only member of the College of Applied Sciences and
Technologies to be recognized as a distinguished professor, which is
granted only for extraordinary research and publication," Falcone said.

"This means a great deal to the department and students because he is
able to help us attract more graduate students and national funding."

Weisheit's research has done more than simply benefiting the
Department of Criminal Justice Sciences and the learning community of
Illinois State.

He has also been asked to assist with a treatment center for juveniles
engaged in drug use in Southern Illinois.

The center, located in Franklin County, will be available to troubled
youths from 41 counties within the state.

The knowledge gained from his research will spread even further in May when
the Hazelton Foundation publishes his book, "Methamphetamine: It's history,
pharmacology and treatment." It is the first book in the foundations
upcoming Library of Addictive Drug Series.